Basic
Terminology
-
Cannabis: the genus of plant to which both marijuana and hemp belong.
-
Cannabinoid: chemical compounds found in cannabis plants; there are more than 100 active cannabinoids in cannabis.
-
THC: a cannabinoid that has psychoactive effects (changes in the nervous system function, resulting in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior)
-
Cannabidiol (CDB): a cannabinoid that has pain-relieving and other effects, minus the psychoactive effects of THC.
-
ECS (Endocannabinoid System) - our body's internal system designed to work with cannabinoids (scroll down for more!)
-
Marijuana: a cannabis plant known for its high THC content.
-
Hemp: a cannabis plant containing less than 0.3 percent THC, and cultivated for use in the production of a wide range of products, including foods and beverages, personal care products, nutritional supplements, fabrics/textiles, and more.
What is Cannabis Massage?
Cannabis-based hemp or CBD massage is a therapeutic massage with the topical application of cannabinoids, targeting receptors in the skin. These receptors are part of the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps internal systems maintain balance or homeostasis. Cannabis-based massage aims to activate the ECS, in addition to the physical and mental benefits of therapeutic massage.
What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s and is still being researched.
So far, research has linked the ECS to the following processes*:
-
appetite and digestion
-
metabolism
-
chronic pain
-
inflammation and other immune system responses
-
mood
-
learning and memory
-
motor control
-
sleep
-
cardiovascular system function
-
muscle formation
-
bone remodeling and growth
-
liver function
-
reproductive system function
-
stress
-
skin and nerve function
*Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system#functions
These functions all contribute to the stability of your internal environment, also known as homeostasis. Your ECS is constantly helping your body recover from outside forces, such as injury, fever, & inflammation. (Even if you don't use cannabis!)
Will I get high from Cannabis-Infused Massage?
The only Cannabis I use is Hemp. CBD and any other cannabinoids infused are all derived 100% from Hemp. CBD is not psychoactive and will NOT get you high. But thanks to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, you may leave your massage feeling more relaxed than usual.
Why bother? Isn't it just hype?
Well, there are certainly products out there that contain little to no CBD. You will need to do your homework when you are shopping for specific products. I encourage you to visit a local purveyor in your area, and they are more than happy to educate you!
As for me, and why I choose to do topical cannabis massage, is because I can massage for hours without any arthritis flare-ups in my hands! I know it works from first-hand experience.
Additionally, there is plenty of science to back up the hype. Here is a great resource: https://cannabismd.com